Lake Placid Police Chief Mark Schneider is one of four candidates scheduled to interview for the City Administrator position in Okeechobee, according to publicly released information from the City of Okeechobee.
The interviews are set for Monday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. at Okeechobee City Hall, where city officials have indicated the meeting may also include contract negotiations.
The position is being filled following the planned retirement of current City Administrator Gary Ritter, who announced in December his intent to step down in June after serving in the role since 2021.
Schneider has been with the Lake Placid Police Department since 1997 and became chief in June 2023.
Schneider confirmed his interest in the position, describing it as part of his long-term professional transition.
“My interest in this position is to move forward in my career,” Schneider said. “I have loved working here but feel as I approach the end of my D.R.O.P. (Florida Deferred Retirement Option Program) that I need to move forward with my professional growth. I have not made any decision at this point to leave.”
Schneider also addressed potential concerns about local impact.
“There is a succession plan in place. I have made no plan at this point to leave,” he said.
He noted that his consideration of the position is tied to an eventual, expected transition.
“At this point I am gauging my marketability for my inevitable departure as I am already retired and in the D.R.O.P. program (Florida Deferred Retirement Option Program) and will have to leave at the end of my remaining time,” Schneider said.
Mayor Colleen Charles said she is aware of Chief Schneider’s interview and supports town employees as they pursue professional growth.
The other candidates scheduled to interview include:
- Douglas G. Baber, Assistant County Administrator for Hardee County
- Denise L. Whitehead, Assistant County Administrator for Okeechobee County
- Demetre L. Riles, a retired U.S. Army veteran and Okeechobee native
The Lake Placid Town Administrator was unavailable for comment.
While no hiring decision has been announced, the outcome of the interview process could have local implications if Schneider is selected and ultimately accepts the position.
No timeline for a final decision has been publicly released.